Much to my surprise Kentucky does have an enviable culinary history , rich with pioneer, native American, African American and mountain folk influences. Country hams, fresh fish, regional produce and FINE BOURBONS form the basis for a rich and tasty heritage in the kitchen.
I promised you some Kentucky recipes and here are some that I have tried, with you guessed it ...BOURBON as a common theme/additive in most of the recipes. I've started with some appetizers. Future recipes unless otherwise stated, come from a lovely book that I purchased in Somerset Kentucky called, "Adventures in New Kentucky Cooking" by David Domine. To my new friends at the Dawahare Store in Somerset, this menu is for you. Enjoy
Smocked Salmon Patties and Bourbon Dill Sauce
3c fresh salmon,poached, flaked and cooked.
1 smoked salmon chopped
1c fresh bread crumbs
1/4c mayonnaise
1 large egg beaten
2 medium shallots diced
2T. chopped capers
1 tsp. kosher salt
1tsp. fresh ground pepper
1c flour for dredging
1/4c canola oil for frying
Poach fresh salmon by placing a large fillet in a pan of cool salted water and then heating it over medium heat until bubbles start to form around the edge. Turn off heat and let sit for 30 minutes. Remove from liquid and cool.Use a fork to flake fish apart. (don't worry if it isn't cooked through, since it will be fried anyway.) Add reaming ingredients and gently mix. Chill for about 1 hour. Shape into rounds, dredge in flour and fry until golden brown.
BOURBON DILL SAUCE
1c sour cream or thick yogurt
1/2c mayonnaise
3T. bourbon
2T fresh dill chopped
1/2tsp kosher salt
1tsp white pepper
Combine all the ingredients and mix well. Chill for 1 hour and serve with warm salmon patties.
In recent years. some local tobacco farmers have turned to aquaculture with fortunate results for Bluegrass gastronomy.
BUTTER BEANS
4C canned butter beans or lima beans
2tsp. salt
1tsp.ground cumin
3T. fresh lemon juice
3T.bourbon
6T extra virgin olive oil
6 large cloves garlic, minced
1/2tsp.white pepper
1/4c chopped fresh parsley
Drain canned beans and transfer to a food processor. (If dried beans are used follow package instructions.) Add the remaining ingredients and puree until smooth.Transfer to a bowl and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with extra EVOO (optional) and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Or garnish with fresh radish slices or banana pepper rings. Serve with toast slices of sour mash bread.
Butter beans grace many a dinner table in the south and in the hills of eastern Kentucky they were often cooked to a soft mush and served with corm bread. This updated recipe yields a garlicky Bluegrass versing of the traditional Middle Eastern chick-pea humus. If you used lima beans they have a slightly different flavour than butter beans but nevertheless a good substitution.
